Hi:
1. I've been to DV several times, but I've never been able to figure out / find where those large mud cracks are. When I've asked specific photographers on Instagram all I've gotten were vague suggestions such as... referring to Google Earth (really helpful) or that it's a "secret".

2. I'm not a pro, I'm not going to cut into someone's business ; I just want to enjoy the beauty of the place.

The sample images run the gammut of places and things. Hard to determine what you are looking for and to give advice. So therefore, vague in, vague out. Cracked mis somewhere in Death Valley. Most any playa will do. Since it is a wet winter, cracked mud will be filled in until it gets dry and cracks itself up ...

D.A. Wright
~When You Live in Nevada, "just down the road" is anywhere in the line of sight within the curvature of the earth.

Also popular are the salt polygons out on the Badwater flat. From the Badwater parking lot, the best salt shapes are in any direction people aren't going. If you see an area where people aren't (farther out is better) then thryre likely to be in good shape.

Prolly should note that this time of year is not when you'll find "mud cracks". You need a long period of time without any rain, and high heat. Probably May at the absolute earliest, and more likely July or August.